MobileActive.org

Most people access the internet from a computer, but more and more are going online from their mobile. A new study by IPSOS Insight looks at the internet and technology use of people living in 12 different countries, and predicts that “mobile phones are poised to overtake the PC at the dominant internet platform in some markets.”

One reason for this is that globally more people have mobile phones than computers. In Japan, 95 percent of households surveyed have at least one phone, and 40 percent of these people go online using their mobile phone. In developed countries, most homes have more than one mobile phone – the average is 2.2.

But even in countries where mobile phones are less prevalent – the study finds only 61 percent of Canadian households own one – people are using them to go online. Another interesting finding is that growth in mobile browsing isn’t being spurred by younger users who are usually the first to use new technology – it’s by users who are over 35.

Below are percentages of people who browse the internet from mobile phones from the 12 countries examined (stars show that only urban areas were surveyed).

Japan – 40%

England – 29%

United States – 26%

South Korea – 26%

Canada – 19%

Germany – 18%

France – 18%

Mexico* - 16%

China* - 10%

Brazil* - 8%

Russia* - 7%

India* - 5%

What it comes down to is that if browsing the internet on mobile phones is affordable and easy, people will do it because of the convenience it brings. Being able to look up directions and movie show times and check email from anywhere is pretty enticing to a person who is used to being connected. And in developing countries where most people aren’t as connected, far more people own a mobile phone than a personal computer.

The full study is only available for paid subscribers.

Read an article on the study.